Torchworld: Outsiders Collection Read Free Page B

most dangerous part was approaching, because between the rocks and the forest was a clearing we had to sprint through, no cover. Picked up my pace and hoped Kharl kept up.
    The noise from the drones was now a thunderous roar, and threaded with a high pitched whining. My least favourite sound in the world. That meant the weapons were powering up.
    “We have to get across here as quick as possible! Stopping means you’re dead! Dead! I will not come back for you if you fall!”
    His eyes widened and he nodded. “I don’t expect you would get killed for the sake of me girl!”
    “I prefer my body in the current configuration, rather than splattered across the Blades! Now run!”
    We had reached the tree line. The drones had spotted us and emitted a piercing siren. My comms were going crazy. Markin’s voice yelling at me through the comms. “Run. Run! We’ve got you covered, just frickin run like a dog!”
    A blinding blue spotlight seared my eyes. Took a deep breath and ran the fastest I have ever moved in my short life. My shadow loomed large in front of me as the drone spotlight chased at my back. Lungs burning from the forest sprint, now they felt ready to burst. Breathe, remember to breathe. Don’t hold your breath. Don’t stop, can’t stop, you’ll die! One foot after the other, that’s it. I could see Markin peeking out from around a large boulder, his lazen gun flush against his shoulder. Looking me right in the eye, he turned back to fire a glancing shot at the drone behind me. It caused the bot to swerve and miss me by a good few metres. I’d breathe a sigh of relief if it didn’t feel like swallowing razors. Kharl grunted as another shot barely missed him, despite his injuries he was dodging quite well.
    Within reach of the mountain now, the path was clear. I took a running leap over a boulder, crashing into Markin and knocking him flat on his back. I’d ended up sitting on his chest. I had no time to remedy this awkward issue before the next one arrived.
    “Comin’ through!”
    Kharl jumped right over the boulder, head butting me in the back. Great, now we were a damn human sandwich. Markin groaned at the extra weight. Kharl was not a dainty man. Markin flailed his arms and Kharl stumbled to his feel next to the overhanging cliff. I stood up and Markin followed, pointing down the tunnel between the rocks. He turned to Kharl, extending a hand.
    “My name is Markin. I keep things somewhat organized around here. What’s your name mate?”
    Kharl grabbed his hand with a meaty paw. “Kharl. Good shootin’ back there.”
    Markin inclined his head, bowing. He then turned on his heel and marched silently down the tunnel. Kharl turned to me with a smirk.
    “Not a talker, eh? Bit weird.”
    I laughed. “You have no idea man. No idea.”

    “Hey, Markin.”
    “Yes?” I replied, standing up as Psycho entered my room.
    “I gave Kharl a bed in the hospital room. His leg is cut up pretty bad, gonna keep an eye on him for a few days.”
    “Understood.”
    She paused at the door, waiting. Fingers intertwined through her hair. An anxious habit. Wanting some sort of praise perhaps. There was no need to reward her for doing what was expected. But even so, she was a useful agent. Not like the other girls. Psycho was a different creature.
    “Good job today. That could have ended badly, but you pulled it off. Well done Outsider.”
    Turning on a booted heel, she bowed her head. “Thank you sir.”
    She left the room, head held a bit higher than before. Good enough for now.
    People were so docile now, even the feisty ones. These third gens were so complacent in authority. It wasn’t hard to pick around the edges of the veneer though. The security the Akhataree promised? Lies. They’re molding you into slaves. Only the barest of proof was needed to arouse the natural human need to rebel. Our rallies helped the cause.
    “I ask you this, young citizen. If you are so free, then why can’t we leave the city